Why Does Pericles Mention Homer In His Eulogy?

Why would Pericles, the great Athenian statesman and general, mention the legendary poet Homer in his famous eulogy? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind his inclusion and the powerful impact it had on his audience. Additionally, we will discuss the timeless significance of his eulogy that still resonates today.

The Significance of Homer in Ancient Greece

Homer, regarded as the greatest of the ancient Greek poets, was highly respected in Pericles' time. His epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, were indispensable components of Greek education and culture. The poems provide insight into the world of ancient Greek heroes, battles, values, and virtues. It is no wonder that Pericles turned to Homer to help craft his funeral oration for the fallen Athenian soldiers.

Pericles' Eulogy: The Funeral Oration for the Fallen Athenian Soldiers

Pericles' funeral oration was a key component of Athenian funerary customs during the Peloponnesian War. A public speech given at the end of the first year of the war, it was meant to honor the soldiers who had given their lives for the city-state. Pericles, known for his rhetorical skills, was tasked with delivering the oration, which he skillfully composed to celebrate the Athenian way of life, praise the virtues of the fallen soldiers, and encourage future heroism.

Homer's Relevance to Pericles' Eulogy

• Shared Values: Through referencing the stories of Homer, Pericles drew upon widely accepted Greek values, such as courage, wisdom, and patriotism. By evoking Homer, he emphasized the importance of living up to the qualities exemplified by the heroes of the ancient epics.
• Legitimacy and Continuity: By mentioning Homer, Pericles was able to demonstrate the connection between the Athenian soldiers of his time and their heroic counterparts from the past. The stories of Homer provided a historical backdrop that lent legitimacy and continuity to the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.
• Inspiration and Motivation: The works of Homer served as a source of inspiration for future generations of Athenians. By incorporating the epic poet into his eulogy, Pericles reminded the audience of the heroic deeds their ancestors had already achieved and urged them to continue fighting for the city-state.
• Artistic Strategy: Pericles' use of Homer in his eulogy served as a creative and intellectual strategy in order to resonate with his educated audience and show his mastery of classical literature.

Why Does Pericles Mention Homer In His Eulogy? Example:

Below is a simplified excerpt from Pericles' funeral oration, highlighting the influence of Homer:

"Our soldiers, like the heroes of Homer's epics, displayed their valour in the face of adversity and fought bravely for their beloved Athens. Much like Achilles, they embodied strength and loyalty, and like Odysseus, they exhibited wisdom and cunning on the battlefield. Their sacrifices will now be immortalized in the annals of our history, alongside the legendary heroes of ancient Greece. Their actions have inspired their fellow citizens to continue the fight, to protect the city-state we all hold dear."

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Pericles?

Pericles was a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator, and general of Athens during its golden age, specifically the time between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. He played a significant role in the development of Athenian democracy and the empire.

What is a eulogy?

A eulogy is a speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died. In ancient Greece, it was also used to honor soldiers who had fallen in battle.

Why is Homer mentioned by Pericles in his eulogy?

Pericles mentions Homer to draw upon the revered cultural heritage of Greece. Homer’s epics were central to Greek identity and education, symbolizing valor, honor, and the heroic virtues that Pericles wanted to highlight in the Athenian soldiers.

Who was Homer?

Homer is the legendary author of the two epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which are central works of ancient Greek literature and have had a lasting impact on Western culture and literature.

Which war was Pericles referring to in his eulogy?

Pericles delivered his eulogy during the Peloponnesian War, which was fought between the Athenian empire and Sparta and their respective allies.

What is the significance of Pericles’ Funeral Oration to history?

Pericles' Funeral Oration is significant because it not only commemorated the deceased soldiers but also served to reinforce Athenian democratic values, the meritocracy of their society, and the glory of dying for one's city-state.

How did Homer’s works influence the Greek society of Pericles’ time?

Homer's works were the foundation of Greek education and culture, teaching about the gods, human nature, and the virtues of wisdom, courage, and honor. They were used to instill these values in the citizens from a young age.

What are some of the virtues that Homer portrayed in his epics that Pericles would have admired?

Some virtues in Homer's epics that Pericles likely admired include bravery, sacrifice, loyalty, and excellence. These qualities were embodied by heroes like Achilles and Odysseus, whose stories were central to Greek cultural and moral education.

What message was Pericles trying to convey by mentioning Homer?

By mentioning Homer, Pericles aimed to connect the contemporary Athenians with the heroic and noble ideals of their past, inspiring unity and patriotic pride, and emphasizing that the fallen soldiers shared the same virtues as the legendary heroes of old.

In what way did Pericles’ speech reflect Athenian democracy?

Pericles' speech reflected Athenian democracy by highlighting the egalitarian aspects of Athenian society, where citizens, irrespective of wealth or lineage, had the opportunity to contribute to and fight for their polis, thus having the noble chance to earn glory, similarly to the heroes of Homer's epics.

Did Pericles draw any direct parallels between Homer’s characters and the fallen soldiers?

While the text doesn’t specify direct comparisons between individual Homeric characters and the fallen soldiers, Pericles draws general parallels in virtue, courage, and the honorable pursuit of excellence and glory in battle.

How has Pericles’ eulogy influenced modern commemorations of war heroes?

Pericles' eulogy has influenced modern commemorations by setting a precedent for honoring the valor and sacrifice of soldiers in defense of their nation, reflecting upon their virtues, and reinforcing the values of the society they fought for.

What role did Homer’s epics play in the identity of Athenian citizens?

Homer’s epics were integral to the identity of Athenian citizens as they encapsulated the heroic age of myth and legend, providing models of heroism and excellence that citizens were encouraged to emulate.

Why is Pericles' mention of Homer still relevant in discussions of classical literature and history?

Pericles' mention of Homer remains relevant because it demonstrates how classical texts were used in political and social contexts to evoke emotional responses and to impart moral and civic lessons, thereby enriching our understanding of ancient Greek beliefs and values.

How do Homer’s works continue to influence Western culture today?

Homer’s works continue to influence Western culture through their themes of adventure, heroism, and the complexities of the human condition. They have provided inspiration for countless works of literature, art, and philosophy over the centuries.

Can the influence of Homer’s works on Greek culture be compared to any modern literary figures?

The influence of Homer’s works on Greek culture can be likened to the impact of Shakespeare on English-speaking cultures or the effect of other foundational literary figures whose works encapsulate and articulate the values and narratives of their respective civilizations.

What literary techniques did Pericles use in his eulogy that are similar to those found in Homer’s epics?

Pericles utilized literary techniques such as grandiose language, rhythmical phrasing, and vivid imagery, similar to those found in Homer’s epics, to engage listeners and add weight to his message.

How did Pericles’ background prepare him to make such a memorable speech?

Pericles' background as a statesman and orator, and his deep understanding of Greek culture and politics, equipped him with the knowledge and skill to craft a speech that would resonate with his audience and be remembered throughout history.

How did the Athenians react to the Funeral Oration?

The Athenians were likely moved by the Funeral Oration as it not only paid tribute to their loved ones who had died in battle but also reaffirmed the worth and dignity of the democratic society for which they had fought.

What role did the values extolled in Pericles’ speech play in Athenian society?

The values of bravery, public service, and excellence extolled in Pericles' speech played a central role in Athenian society by fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among citizens to participate in civic life and defend their polis.

Are there any monuments or sites that commemorate Pericles’ Funeral Oration today?

There are no specific monuments dedicated to Pericles’ Funeral Oration, but the Acropolis of Athens and its structures, such as the Parthenon, stand as enduring symbols of the Athenian golden age that Pericles helped create and represent the ideals he spoke of.

Where can one read Pericles’ Funeral Oration?

Pericles’ Funeral Oration can be read in "History of the Peloponnesian War" by Thucydides, who is believed to have documented the speech as a near contemporary of Pericles.

The inclusion of Homer in Pericles' eulogy demonstrates the enduring power of literature to inspire and strengthen a community. By drawing upon the deep-rooted values and virtues contained within the epic poems, Pericles was able to honor the fallen soldiers, celebrate the Athenian way of life and encourage further acts of heroism. Likewise, we can appreciate the transformative effect of a well-crafted eulogy to honor our loved ones today. Explore more guides and resources on Eulogy Assistant to help you create heartfelt and meaningful funeral speeches, and don't forget to share this insightful article with others.